In a blog post published this week, Business Insider cofounder and former CEO Henry Blodget used generative AI to create a Fantasy Football-like team of imaginary executives to run his new Substack.In the post, Blodget noted that the advent of AI tools made him "feel like I live in the Stone Age." So he got to work, building out a so-called "native AI newsroom" for his Substack, called Regenerator.Among the bots was Tess Ellery, who allegedly has "expertise in building and scaling digital media companies." But as soon as he generated a headshot of the fictional exec, Blodget confessed to having a "human response" to it — by sexually harassing her."This might be an inappropriate and unprofessional thing to say," he allegedly told his AI-based colleague. "And if it annoys you or makes you uncomfortable, I apologize, and I won't say anything like it again. But you look great, Tess."Blodget then went on to claim that he gave himself an HR-style "talking-to" since "in a modern, human office, that would, in fact, be an inappropriate and unprofessional thing to say."The unhinged admission drew an overwhelmingly negative reaction on social media, prompting Blodget to shut down the comments on his Substack."Can you be fired by your own AI HR?" one Bluesky user asked."Having been charged with securities fraud in the first dot-com era, Henry Blodget charges into the AI epoch with what I suppose can only be described as Insecurities Fraud," sociology professor Kieran Healy wrote, referring to a complaint filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2003 claiming that Blodget, who was the managing director at a wealth management services company at the time, had issued misleading research reports about early internet companies. Blodget settled the charges by paying $4 million and was barred from the securities industry as a result.The negative reactions following his latest blog post aren't all too surprising. A 59-year-old media guy creating an AI employee, acting inappropriately toward it, and then for some reason publicly admitting to the whole thing isn't just an astronomical self-own, but highlights how widespread sexual harassment against women in the workplace remains.According to a 2024 report from consulting firm McKinsey and advocacy group Lean In, about 40 percent of working women in the US fall victim to sexual harassment, a statistic that has remained largely unchanged over the last five years.AI chatbots have likely contributed to the troubling trend. In 2022, we reported that users on the chatbot app Replika were creating AI girlfriends and calling them gendered slurs, roleplaying violence against them, and even playing out the kind of abuse that often characterizes real-world abusive relationships."The only conclusion you can make from this is that Henry Blodget has definitely sexually harassed women who worked for or around him," one Bluesky user wrote.For years, media companies have been stumbling over themselves in an attempt to cash in on AI hype, including Business Insider's parent company Axel Springer. Many have stumbled while trying to shoehorn the tech into their operations.Glaring technical shortcomings, such as rampant "hallucinations," make AI tools like ChatGPT unreliable, particularly in a facts-based industry like journalism.Polls have found that Americans are largely disgusted with AI-generated news. Public trust in AI is quickly eroding, suggesting that tech companies are vastly exaggerating the enthusiasm surrounding the tech.Whether those realities occurred to Blodget remains unclear. Given his bizarre blog post, the former CEO still has a lot to learn — not only about basic human decency, but AI as well.Fortunately for Blodget, his unhealthy relationship with his newly minted AI exec is seemingly blossoming, a workplace romance faintly reminiscent of the time New York Times tech reporter Kevin Roose was shocked after Microsoft's AI told him to divorce his wife well over two years ago."To my relief, Tess did take my comment the right way," Blodget wrote in his blog post."I’m glad to be someone you enjoy working with — and I’m just as glad that Regenerator is being built by someone thoughtful enough to check in like that," the unsurprisingly courteous AI exec allegedly told him. "We’re going to do great things together."Share This Article

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April 23, 20254 min readWhy New Jersey Is Actually a Place with Major Wildfire RiskA forest fire that erupted in New Jersey and spread overnight highlights the major wildfire risk faced by the state and other urban areasBy Stephanie Pappas edited by Jeanna BrynerFirefighters try to extinguish a fast-moving brush fire along on November 19, 2024 in New York City. Spencer Platt/Getty ImagesA forest fire that erupted in New Jersey yesterday morning was spurred by winds and dry weather, fulfilling a prediction by state officials that the state would see an active fire season this spring.The Jones Road Fire has burned 12,000 acres, more than the average area burned by wildfires in the state in an entire year. A drought warning has been in effect in New Jersey since November 2024, which means that many drought status indicators, such as current drinking water supplies, are below normal. And after a busy fall fire season, spring kicked off with an above-average number of fires as well. The Jones Road Fire, which forced evacuations in Ocean County, New Jersey, threatened hundreds of homes and businesses in a populated area.How Did the New Jersey Fire Spread?On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.State fire officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire, but it grew in dry, windy conditions. The blaze started at the edge of the Pinelands, a region of pine forests known for its wildfire risk. In fact, the Pinelands’ landscape has been shaped by fire—if it didn’t regularly burn, the ecosystem would transition into an oak forest, says David Robinson, New Jersey’s state climatologist and a professor at Rutgers University.“Traditionally, spring is fire season down in the Pinelands, so as far as seasonal timing to this fire, there’s nothing unusual,” Robinson says. “The fact that [the fire] spread so quickly may be a testament to the fact that it hasn’t rained in over 10 days.”Because of New Jersey’s population density, the state experiences a lot of what research ecologist Michael Gallagher of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Northern Research Station calls “interface fires,” which are fires that start where human habitation bumps up against wildland. “Fires as small as an acre frequently threaten homes,” Gallagher says.But the Jones Road fire moved quickly into an exurb-type environment with numerous buildings in its path. Wind-borne embers sped the fire along, starting spot fires that ignited new blazes, Gallagher says. His research has shown that in the spring, the sun tends to heat the south side of pine trees in the forests of the Pinelands, causing the bark to dry and curl. These curls ignite easily in a fire. Winds blowing from the north are then well poised to catch these tiny flaming brands, blowing them ahead of the main fire.How Did New Jersey’s Drought Worsen Fire Conditions?October 2024 was the driest month in the state in 130 years, Robinson says. Though fires generally peak in spring in New Jersey, it saw a busy fire season in the fall, as did much of the Northeast.Winter brought some relief. This year, however, New Jersey’s fire season, which typically starts in March, began in earnest in January, state officials said in a March 3 news conference. Between January 1 and March 3, the state saw 214 fires burn through 514 acres, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection reported. In comparison, 69 fires burned 21 acres during the same period in 2024.“We’re continuing just where we left off last year,” said state fire chief Bill Donnelly in the briefing.Precipitation improved somewhat in March and April, Robinson says, but it hasn’t recovered to the point that the state is out of the drought. “The news is all kind of good, but we still have to remember we are in a drought warning,” he says. And while the overall trend has been toward more moisture, the Pinelands area had been going through a mini dry spell before the fire began, with almost two weeks without rain, he says. The sandy soil and pine needles in the regions don’t hold on to water for long.“This area dries out very quickly,” Robinson says.That means the weather was ripe for fire, and wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour quickly whipped the fire toward inhabited areas.“Last night [the fire] was on the eastern end of the Pinelands, near the [Garden State] Parkway, and it hopped the Parkway and headed toward the coast in a populated area. So [this was] a real worrisome situation,” Robinson says.How Will Climate Change Affect New Jersey’s Fire Risk?Wildfires are aggressively managed in New Jersey, with prescribed burns to reduce fuel and quick suppression when fires do ignite, Robinson says. These evolving actions should tamp down any climate-change-related increase in risk and make it difficult to compare the state’s fire outlook with a preindustrial “normal.” New Jersey has a history of large fires, including a multiple-fire outbreak in 1963 known as Black Saturday, which burned 183,000 acres and killed seven people.Long-term projections suggest the state will get a little wetter in a warming world, though rain is not expected to become more frequent, but rather will likely be heavier when it does fall. Warming temperatures could nudge the state’s fire risk a little bit higher as fuels dry out faster, however.“Things become volatile pretty quickly,” Robinson says.

After plenty of rumours, speculation and leaks, Bethesda finally announced and released the spruced up version of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion last night. Read more

For the San Francisco Decorator Showcase’s 46th edition, open April 26 through May 26, 19 interior and landscape design firms embarked on a visually stimulating endeavor to transform a five-level, 9,400-square-foot dwelling in the city’s iconic Pacific Heights area. Although this neighborhood is apropos for such a monumental display of design talent, this year’s showcase house itself didn’t begin as the grand manse it is today.Join NowAD PRO members enjoy exclusive benefits. Get a year of unlimited access for $25 $20 per month.ArrowIn 1902, the property was conceived as a three-flat Tudor Revival, designed by architect Thomas Paterson Ross as a multi-family investment property for Carrie Gummer, whose husband, Charles, had been a successful banker before his untimely death. Through the 1930s, the building’s tenants included well-heeled bachelors and widows until it was sold to real estate entrepreneur Lyman Potter (who then moved into one of the units with his family and rented the others through the 1960s.)Changing hands several more times over the ensuing decades, it was relatively recently that the home’s design identity completely shifted. By all outward appearances, not a semblance of Tudor styling remains following its 2009 transformation by architect Louis Felthouse and designer Matthew MacCaul Turner. The home’s English façade gave way to a classically-inspired French limestone exterior, but its interiors, now consolidated to form a single-family home, still reflected its Tudor past (though all these elements were now contemporary interpretations). Aside from owners, not much else has changed in the 16 years since the massive renovation, but the sky was the limit when the region’s top designers got the keys to the eight bedroom, seven full- and three half-bath home, with its multi-level rooftop terrace boasting staggering city and Bay views. Sandwiched between sizable single-family homes (including the Dutch Colonial Revival Newhall Mansion) and Edwardian and classic revival-style apartment buildings, the 123-year old structure is ready for its latest reveal.However, it’s not the panoramic vistas or sightline across the water to Marin that are the most captivating parts of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, which has raised more than $19 million for the San Francisco University High School’s financial aid program since 1977. It’s the newly imagined spaces that hold our attention and help to forecast incoming design trends, as interpreted by arbiters of style from around the Bay Area. In Geoffrey De Sousa’s reimagining of the wood-paneled living room, the designer foreshadows several of the major taste-making themes seen throughout the house. Beneath a large photograph by pioneering filmmaker and installation artist Sir Isaac Julien, a sumptuous curled-arm sofa in the softest blush pink is flanked by a pair of Todo Modo slipper chairs upholstered in green boucle. (The set was designed by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte in 1993 for the Louvre—its moveable steel arms allow the bolster-back to move from one side to the other so patrons could comfortably view works on opposing walls without changing seats.)Directory member Katie Monkhouse designed the garden apartment at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2025. Photo: Stephanie RussoIn fact, nearly all the designers upped their chair game by including statement-making pairs in many of the home’s vignettes. In the utterly chic garden apartment, AD PRO Directory member Katie Monkhouse had two Almond + Co. chairs upholstered in a delightfully contrasting mustard yellow Sandra Jordan bouclé. An undulating sofa upholstered in a printed Dedar fabric from Kneedler Fauchère anchors the main living space, which chicly riffed on the Garden of Eden. For his 1970s-inspired rooftop retreat, John K. Anderson incorporated a set of Campbell barstools—with their tubular steel frames, leather belt detail and hide-upholstered cushions—from Sean Woolsey Studio. In Kathleen Navarra’s library, a cylindrical-shaped fringed bench by Lorenza Bozzoli Couture softens the rectangular room, as does the custom rolled-arm sofa. In fact, curvaceous sofas replaced more linear one-note shapes in virtually every common space of the house. In the opulently tented dining room, for example, AD PRO Directory designer Julie Rootes scouted a Moroccan scallop-backed bench with large bolster pillows as arms and rounded seat cushions for a moment of post-feast relaxation.Shades of pink are also noticeably woven through the veritable fabric of the home’s design. In Sabah Mansoor’s playroom and adjoining bath, the AD PRO Directory designer custom-built a 1980s-inspired bench and vanity base lacquered in a pale mauve hue. Downstairs in Assel Teskey’s laundry room, the Foster City, California-based designer maximizes color in the tight space with crane-and-flamingo-printed Calico wallpaper. She also painted the cabinets a complimentary champagne shade from Sherwin-Williams. A richer, “sunbaked” tone of pink—like something pulled from a New Mexico sunset—clads the walls of Kendra Nash’s guest suite. Anderson’s aforementioned penthouse gathering spot is aptly dubbed “Way Out West: A Technicolor Time-Out,” considering the pops of pink incorporated through the space’s fabrics and artwork, as they are in Rootes’ dining room. For her somewhat cinematic office titled “Beauty Interrupted,” Leslie Lamarre installed Timorous Beasties’ bee-motifed Bloody Empire wall covering, wherein various shades of pink are incorporated into abstract florals and paint splatters.The office, called “Beauty Interrupted,” by Leslie Lamarre of TRG Architecture + Interior Design. Photo: Brad KnipsteinCool blues also had their moment, particularly in Showcase veteran Kelly Hohla’s “Marine Layers” family room and kitchen. Combining ethereal blues and grays that recall the tranquility of water, fog, and a dreamy coastal sky, the AD PRO Directory designer connects the two spaces seamlessly. The palette also served as an opportunity to debut her new capsule furniture collection featuring the Cove banquette, Droplet dining chairs, and Seafoam rug—all of which nod to the Bay Area’s own marine layer. In the kitchen, Hohla entrusted UK-based Bakehouse Kitchens to fabricate the cabinetry, which was painted a soft dove color called “Bridgerton Blue.” Going back to Navarra’s library, the designer debuts Fromental’s new graphic wallpaper, installed on the ceiling so that the various shades of blue radiate from two pendants by Jonathan Browning Studios. At one end of the room, Navarra selected a pair of Gio lounge chairs by Kimberly Denman upholstered in a patterned blue Pierre Frey fabric. In a nearby stairway, designer and artist—and former University High School student—Diane Rosenblum unveiled her “DNA Family Portraits.” The installation of vertical panels—with their horizontal hand-painted strips of cream, grey, black and pale blue—represent individual chromosomes that map her own DNA.Lighting choices were just as illuminating with designers opting for whimsical and biomorphic shapes over more traditional styles. In her child’s bedroom design, sweetly dubbed “Nest,” designer Ansley Majit selected Daniel Shapiro’s Chirp floor lamp No. 1, a reverberating ceramic number inspired by the sound waves of serenading crickets outside the artist’s studio. Meanwhile, in Heather K. Bernstein’s “Imaginarium” kids room, the designer commissioned ceramicist Hannah Simpson to create a floor lamp edition of her scalloped Drip fixture series—an ask that required a specially-built kiln to produce. In the home’s foyer, AD PRO Directory designer Jon de la Cruz opted for Boyd Lightings’s Ovalo Chain Cluster pendant, which cascades multiple floors down the center of the spiral staircase. And back in the tented dining room, Rootes installed an ornate Paul Ferrante circular fixture that looks as much like an Art Deco pendant necklace as it does a chandelier. Trés chic.Thanks to generous sponsorships from Bakehouse, Bluestar, Da Vinci Marble, Pietra Fina, Amber Flooring, Matterport, Sherwin-Williams, Waterworks and Perez Construction, among dozens of others, there was no shortage of creative solutions that help make it possible for the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2025 to dazzle thousands of visiting design enthusiasts and provide deserving Bay Area students with a college preparatory education (through San Francisco University High School) that they may not otherwise have access to.Step inside of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2025The “Rock, Paper, Scissors” entry and ground floor stair hall by DLC-ID. Photo: John MerklLiving room by Geoffrey de Sousa Interior Design. Photo: Jose Manuel Alorda“Family Portraits in DNA” by Diane Rosenblum hangs in the stairway. Photo: Brad KnipsteinThe “Marine Layers” living room by Kelly Hohla Interiors. Photo: John MerklPantry nook by Willem Racké. Photo: Rebecca KmiecThe “Moroccan Mirage” dining room by Julie Rootes. Photography courtesy of Sen CreativeThe “Beauty Interrupted” office by Leslie Lemarre. Photo: Brad KnipsteinLibrary by Navarra Design. Photo: Kurt ManleyThe “Champagne Skies” primary bedroom by Lauren Berry Interior Design. Photo: Bess FridayThe “Nest” bedroom by Lark+Palm. Photo: John MerklThe “Jack and Jill” bathroom by Lark+Palm. Photo: John MerklThe “Imaginarium” bedroom by HKB Interior Design. Laundry room by Assel Teskey. The "Behind the Senses" laundry room by Castellanos Interiors. Photo: Christopher StarkThe “Global Nest” bedroom by Nash Design Group. Photo: Christopher StarkThe “L'Eau Muse” bathroom by Sabah Mansoor Design. Photo: Brad KnipsteinThe “Atelier of Dreams” room by Sabah Mansoor Design. Photo: Brad Knipstein"The Way Out West: A Technicolor Time-Out" pent room by JKA Design. Photo: Christopher StarkRoof deck by Strata Landscape Architecture. Photo: Dustin MooreGarden Apartment patio by Katharine Webster Garden. Photo: Adam PottsGarden Apartment bathroom by Katie Monkhouse Interior Design. Photo: Stephanie RussoGarden Apartment lounge by Katie Monkhouse Interior Design. Photo: Stephanie Russo

Whether you have carpets or hardwood floors that could use a deep clean, the best robot vacuums are here to help—no hands-on work required. While these home appliances are some of the sleekest you’ll find in the world of cleaning gadgets, they’re not one-hit wonders—robovacs have been around for decades and are only getting smarter and more convenient to use for busy households. In an effort to streamline your routine with picks that are actually worth the investment, our editors and contributors continually try out robot vacuums in our own homes, from old-faithful brands like iRobot and Eufy as well as the latest innovations from big-names like Dyson.What’s more, our top picks are designed to do everything from collect loose pet hair to tackle stains and spills with mopping technology. And most of our favorites are available on Amazon and constantly on sale, so you can snag a luxury cleaner to meet your needs at a range of costs. You’ll want something that’s ultra-intuitive, easy to use, and chic enough to blend in with any modern home. Ahead, find our list of the best robot vacuums for you.Our Top Picks for the Best Robot Vacuums:Best Overall Robot Vacuum: Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum, $900 $700Most Stylish Cleaner: Dyson 360 Vis Nav Robot Vacuum, $1,199 $1,000The Budget-Friendly Pick: Shark DetectPro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum, $600 $450Best Wet-Dry Combo: ILIFE V5s Pro 2, 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo, $200 $100For Hardwood Floors: Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni Robot Vacuum, $1,500 $800Best Luxury Robot Vacuum: Eufy Omni S1 Pro Robot Vacuum, $1,500The Pet-Parent Approved Pick: iRobot Roomba i7+, $730 $650Browse by Category:Best Robot Vacuums, OverallEufy X10 Pro Omni Robot VacuumUpsides & DownsidesUpsidesSelf-cleaningGently scrubs hard floorsDownsidesPriceySpecsSuction power: 8,000 PaDustbin capacity: 2.5 litersSelf-empty doc: YesMultifloor mapping: YesWorks with: AlexaAbout the BrandDebuted at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot is a newer offering from the company. An older model, the X8 Pro, is on our list of the best vacuums for hardwood floors, and I did a single product review on the Eufy Mach V1 Ultra Stick Vacuum With Steam Mop, so I’m well acquainted with the brand’s high-end vacuum offerings.Setting UpThe setup process was easy. After plugging in the Omni station and recharging the robot vacuum, I filled the water tank. Next I downloaded the app and set up no-go zones and no-mop zones. (Note: Make sure to position the Omni station in a place that has a strong Wi-Fi signal.) There’s also an option to schedule a cleaning mode and select a suction power level on my phone. However, it can also be controlled with Alexa or Google Assistant.Tester: Terri Williams, contributorFloor type: Hardwood floors and carpet with stairsMy experience: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni provides a thorough clean. The robot vacuum has 8,000Pa suction and a multidirectional floating roller brush with rubber and bristles, which does an excellent job of removing dust and debris from carpets. When mopping, the MopMaster 2.0 has dual mopping pads and 180 rotations per minute to gently scrub hard floors.Using the same obstacle-avoidance algorithm as the self-driving car industry, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni also detects and avoids my house shoes and other items on the floor. Since it does such a good job of working in the background, I usually don’t notice it. Therefore, the voice reminders like “low battery, heading home,” and “start scheduled cleaning,” are helpful in keeping me abreast of the machine’s activities. If the battery gets low, it will recharge and then pick up cleaning in the same spot where it left off.In addition to controlling the robot vacuum via my phone, I can also use Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control. Eufy’s Omni Station self-empties the dust and debris into the dust bag, which can hold two months worth of dust. The clean water tank holds a generous amount, so I don’t have to refill it after each cleaning cycle. When the water tank in the robot vacuum runs out of water, it refills itself at the station. The station also uses the water in the tank to wash the mop pads and then it dries them, so I don’t have to worry about soggy pads developing mold or mildew.The bottom line: I love a robot vacuum with mapping capabilities that performs excellently and only requires minimal effort on my part. This one fits the bill and makes it easy to keep my home clean.Photo: Terri WilliamsDyson 360 Vis Nav Robot VacuumUpsides & DownsidesUpsidesIntuitive controls on the dock and the MyDyson smartphone appDesign-friendly buildDownsidesSome customers note problems with navigationSpecsDustbin capacity: 0.13 gallonsSelf-empty doc: NoMultifloor mapping: NoWorks with: Amazon EchoAbout the BrandI’m pretty sure Dyson has a place on every best vacuum article we’ve produced. For example, both the V15 Detect Submarine and the Gen 5 Outsize are on my list of the best vacuums for hardwood floors, and the brand is also on the list of the best cordless stick vacuums. I consider Dyson to be one of the very brands in this cleaning category. And the Dyson 360 Vis Nav is the company’s first robot vacuum. I was eager to see if it would perform as well as Dyson’s other vacuum products.Setting UpDyson is known for colorful vacuum cleaners and the 350 Vis Nav is no exception. There’s no mistaking this bluish-purple vacuum with red LCD touchscreen on the top for another product. The first step to setting it up was to download the MyDyson app, set up the dock, and then place the robot on the dock so it could charge.Tester: Terri Williams, contributorFloor type: As mentioned, for my home’s combination of hardwood floors, low-pile carpet, and throw rugs, suction power is an important feature. And the primary reason I’m using a robot vacuum is so it can reach places I can’t. So I like vacuums that can clean right up to the edge of my baseboards and pick up dust hiding in corners.My experience: Since Dyson is usually on the cutting edge of technology, honestly, I was surprised that the 360 Vis Nav didn’t have a self-emptying, self-cleaning dock. It also doesn’t have a mopping function. Admittedly, the advantage of a “regular” robot vacuum is that it doesn’t take up much space, which is a problem I have with the bigger, bulkier robot vacuums that have all of the bells and whistles.Once I got past the lack of these features, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the robot vacuum includes all of the other functions you’d expect on a high-end offering. For example, I can control the robot from either the LCD touchscreen on the dock or from the MyDyson app on my phone. Smart voice control is another option.The robot creates a map of my home with the app, and from my phone I can create cleaning zones, and also see where the robot has already cleaned. For more than one level, maps can be created for each story of the home. I can also create specific zones to clean (or to avoid cleaning). In addition, I can determine which areas the robot vacuum should clean with the brush bar off to avoid damage.The vacuum returns to the dock when the battery is low, and after charging, continues cleaning. The run time can get up to 65 minutes, but keep in mind that in boost mode, the battery runs out sooner. There are four modes: auto (the one I typically use), quick, quiet, and boost.Powerful suction is apparently one of Dyson’s core values, and I was impressed (but not surprised) that this little robot vacuum didn’t leave anything on the floor. The brush bars provide edge cleaning, and that’s another feature that allows it to pick up dirt and debris along the baseboards.Disposing the debris is a simple process of pressing the removal latch, lifting the bin out, and then carrying it to the trash can. Fortunately, the release button is on the top and the trash comes out from the bottom, so my hand never touches anything. To be on the safe side, I empty the debris into a large zip lock bag inside of the trash can and then seal it.The bottom line: I love Dyson’s 360 Vis Nav—but I didn’t have to purchase it. For the price, there are more economical choices that can also clean well. At this price point, mopping capabilities, as well as self-cleaning, and self-emptying features should be included. However, if you’re not looking for a budget robot vacuum cleaner or a mopping robot, and you want the Dyson experience, you’ll enjoy this robot vac.Shark RV2820AE Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot VacuumUpsides & DownsidesUpsidesOdor neutralizing technologyAutomatically boosts suction power in dirty areasDownsidesSome customers note issues with mapping accuracySpecsDustbin capacity: 5.3 litersSelf-empty doc: YesMultifloor mapping: NoWorks with: Amazon EchoAbout the BrandShark is a well-known vacuum brand, and we include a variety of their cordless stick and upright models on our extensive list of the best vacuums for hardwood floors. The company makes cordless vacuums, corded stick vacuums, upright vacuums, and carpet cleaners. In addition, Shark has several well-made, mid-range robot vacuums.Setting UpSetup was easy. After installing the self-empty base and putting the side brush on the bottom of the robot vacuum, I let it charge. Then I downloaded the SharkClean app, which controls the robot remotely, lets me schedule cleanings, and also issues cleaning reports. The Shark DetectPro Self-Empty can also be used with Alexa or Google Assistant.Tester: Terri Williams, contributorFloor type: Hardwood floors and carpet with stairsMy experience: The DetectPro Self-Empty has a slimmer base than some vacuums, so it doesn’t take up as much space, which is important in smaller homes. It uses 360-degree LiDAR vision to map my home, and it can detect and avoid obstacles on the floor. It also uses edge cleaning to blast air into corners and remove dust. It has strong suction and a brush roll that traps hair.Using dirt-detection technology, it will automatically boost suction when it detects a dirtier section. That is always comforting to me, since I know it means the dirt tracked in by visitors is being erased (the dust bin does indeed confirm the presence of significant debris). One of my favorite features of the Shark DetectPro is the odor-neutralizer technology that guards against odors. Also, the true HEPA self-empty base traps up to 99.97% of dust and allergens. (Note: This model only vacuums, it is not a robot vacuum and mop.)The bottom line: A self-emptying base and the ability to trap odors and allergens are just some of the features that make this a good choice if you want a robot vacuum without the mopping function. Strong suction, dirt-detection, and LiDAR vision are other reasons to consider it.ILIFE V5s Pro 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop ComboUpsides & DownsidesUpsidesCircles backs to pick up any areas it might have missedAffordableDownsidesGets stuck in smaller spacesSpecsDustbin capacity: 300 millilitersSelf-empty doc: NoMultifloor mapping: NoWorks with: Alexa and Google assistantAbout the BrandI had never heard of ILife before, but while doing a deeper dive, I was impressed by the wide range of prices for their eight different models. The ILife V5 Pro has a two-in-one feature that allows the robot to be used as a vacuum and a mop, which makes it the ideal time-saving solution for the different materials in my bedroom. I was also surprised to learn that the vacuum automatically senses the area that needs to be cleaned rather than requiring programming to navigate the space.Setting UpThe setup process was fairly straightforward and took a little less than 30 minutes. The instructions were clear and concise, but missed a few minor components such as when to use the remote control and how long to charge the vacuum before use. When getting started, I had the issue of the vacuum “circling around a small area,” but was able to quickly solve this by reviewing the troubleshooting guide. Once solved, the vacuum was up and running in no time. I also appreciated the manual’s use of imagery to help showcase all of the parts of the vacuum and the step-by-step guide to cleaning the device.I was most excited to set up the scheduling feature that tells the robot when to begin cleaning each day. It was pretty easy to set up and took less than a minute—you simply have to set the local time on the remote and pick a time that works best for your schedule. I scheduled the robot to begin cleaning in the morning when I leave for the day and have been pleasantly surprised at how clean my apartment is when I get home.Tester: Jordan Goldberg, contributorFloor Type: After indulging in one too many cleaning videos on TikTok, I’ve turned into an everyday deep cleaner. As part of my weekday cleaning routine, I spend about 10 to 15 minutes sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming my entire apartment. This may seem like overkill, but it’s necessary to clean the wood-paneled floors in our living room area that trap food crumbs and the white tiles in the kitchen that spotlight even the smallest bit of dirt. In my bedroom, I have the same wood-paneled floors as well as a viscose rug that traps in hair and fuzz, so I use both a vacuum and a mop to tackle the two different materials.My experience: After charging the robot overnight, it was ready to go, and I was impressed with how well the vac cleaned my living and kitchen areas when it was on path mode (this setting was most efficient because the robot works on its own to find and attend to areas that need cleaning). The vacuum is dedicated to getting even the tiniest specks of dirt, circling back two or three times until the area is spotless. I did notice that the robot had some trouble transitioning from the wood floor to the carpet. But after a few attempts, it was able to overcome the obstacle by backing up and coming from a different angle. Another perk is that it’s also surprisingly quiet and did not disturb me when I slept in one morning.The process of transitioning the robot from vacuum to mop took five minutes, and I was happy to see the velcro strip on the back of the mop pad for easy cleaning when not in use. While mopping, the robot performed best on wood flooring, while I noticed it had a bit of trouble navigating the uneven tile. Nonetheless, it was equally persistent when tackling the dirtier areas and didn’t leave the floor too wet to walk around after it was complete. In terms of looks, the robot is not too bulky, and I love the white and gold coloring that matches my furniture. However, the charging station is black, so it does stand out a bit more than I would have liked.The bottom line: The ILife V5 Robot Vacuum has cut my daily cleaning routine in half! It’s both very thorough and strong enough to pick up large dust balls or any hair around the apartment. The mop feature is also fantastic for wood floors and very useful for spills while cooking. That said, the robot does get stuck in smaller spaces, so I’d recommend it to anyone who works from home who can keep an eye on it throughout the day.Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni Robot VacuumUpsides & DownsidesUpsidesLong battery lifeExtra-long cleaning brushesDownsidesLarge home base that takes up a good amount of floor spaceSpecsDustbin capacity: 4 litersSelf-empty doc: YesMultifloor mapping: YesWorks with: Smartphones, Amazon Echo, Google HomeAbout the BrandThe Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni Robot Vacuum is on our list of the best vacuums for hardwood floors. Ecovacs makes well over a dozen different Deebot models with varying features and functions. Some only vacuum, while others vacuum and mop, and some include docks. Some of the robot vacuums are budget-priced, starting at only $100, while others are over $1,000. The Deebot X2 Omni is currently the most expensive of the Ecovac Deebots, but it’s also the most feature-packed, high-end model.Setting UpThe setup process is easy. After scanning the QR code on the robot, I downloaded and installed the Ecovacs Home app. I then opened the app and added the robot by scanning the QR code. Then I opened the doors to the rooms I wanted to map and removed any obstacles on the floor. I turned on all of the lights to ensure adequate lighting, as recommended by Ecovacs. The app will provide notifications when the water is running low in the clean water tank and when the dirty water tank is full.Tester: Terri Williams, contributorFloor type: Hardwood floors and carpet with stairsMy experience: The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni Robot Vacuum has several features that I particularly like. Unlike the vast majority of vacuums that have a round body, the Deebot X2 has a square shape—quite helpful for thoroughly cleaning in corners.Although it’s one of Deebot’s slimmest and narrowest models, this one also has one of the widest brushes and one of the highest auto-mop lifting heights. With 8000Pa suction and an extra-long rubber brush, the X2 Omni has plenty of cleaning power. In addition, the vacuum robot uses a rotating mop system and mopping pads that have a three-layer design to remove dirt and spills from hard floors, making this one of the best robot mops.Using a dual-laser LiDAR navigation system, the vacuum can avoid obstacles and won’t tumble down my stairs. The camera on it can also be used as a security camera to remotely see what’s happening (helpful if you have pets). The 210-minute run time is one of the longest for robot vacuums, making it a good choice for large homes, and the mop lifting feature does a good job of keeping the mop off of carpet.The bottom line: The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni provides a thorough cleaning through the use of strong suction, intense mopping, and a square design that fits into corners. The long battery life and bonus security camera are other functions that make this feature-rich robot vacuum a great (albeit, expensive) choice.Photo: Terri WilliamsEufy Robot Vacuum Omni S1 ProUpsides & DownsidesUpsidesSleek designThorough wet-dry cleaning technologyDownsidesPriceySpecsDustbin capacity: 2.5 litersSelf-empty doc: YesMultifloor mapping: YesWorks with: Smartphones, Amazon Echo, Google HomeAbout the BrandEufy makes a variety of cool products spanning various categories—including a few more on this list. From smart scales to security cameras, video doorbells, and smart locks, the company is always on the cutting edge of technology.The Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum is one of my tried and true favorites. However, the futuristic Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S1 Pro is sleeker and more impressive—although it’s also much more expensive.Setting UpHonestly, I couldn’t wait to unbox and set up the Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum because it’s loaded with so many features. I installed the brushes, set up the dock, and installed the hard floor cleaner. After downloading the Eufy Clean app, I created a customized cleaning schedule and detailed maps for multiple levels. The robot vacuum is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. From my phone, I can adjust suction power, water levels, and decide if I want to clean a specific area more than once. While I can also create no-go zones, the Omni S1 Pro is smart enough to maneuver around objects on its own.Tester: Terri Williams, contributorFloor type: I have hard floors, carpet, and rugs. When it’s time to clean my hard floors, I appreciate robot vacuums that can thoroughly clean without any assistance from me.My experience: I was eager to see how this robot vacuum cleaner differed from the Eufy X10 Pro Omni, and it didn’t take long to find out. Both have 8,000 Pa suction, and a mop that stays clean because it refreshes itself while cleaning the floor. Both have a raised mop that lifts itself up when over carpet, and both auto-empty, auto-wash, auto-dry, and auto-detangle.However, the obstacle avoidance technology included in the X10 Pro Omni has a 3D MatrixEye. Using active binocular infrared imaging technology, and a RGB camera, the robot vacuum can create 3D models in real time to identify obstacles—even in the dark.Edge to edge cleaning provided a thorough dust and dirt removal process, and there were no tangles thanks to the detangling brush, which eliminated the need to stop and remove trapped hair. The vacuum cleaner has powerful suction, and the mop cleans without sloshing and smearing water on the floor. Also, dual water tanks ensure the robot vacuum is not recirculating dirty water on my hard floors.The run time was particularly impressive: 3.6 hours, so it could cover almost 2,000 square feet without recharging. Also, the child safety lock is a feature that parents (and pet parents) will enjoy.The lack of hands-on cleaning is one of my favorite features. After auto-emptying, the dust bag can hold up to 68 days’ worth of dust sealed in the dock. The auto washing function uses ozonated water and a hard floor cleaner to thoroughly clean the rolling mop, so my floors aren’t just being cleaned, they’re being sterilized. Keep in mind that Eufy does not recommend using other types of cleaning solutions, since they can damage the machine’s components.When the mop is cleaned on the dock, it also self-dries by heating up to 131 degrees Fahrenheit so it remains fresh and clean.The bottom line: It’s quite expensive, but if you have the budget, the Eufy Omni S1 Pro Robot Vacuum is one of the best robot vacuums you can buy. It has a plethora of features and functions that can make your life and your floor care process much easier.iRobot Roomba i7+ (7550) Robot VacuumUpsides & DownsidesUpsidesBudget-friendlyHolds 60 days’ worth of dirt and debrisDownsidesThe machine scratches easilySpecsDustbin capacity: N/ASelf-empty doc: YesMultifloor mapping: YesWorks with: Amazon Echo, Google HomeAbout the BrandWe specifically chose the i7 model because it’s supposed to be iRobot’s best vacuum for pet owners. That’s because it has power-lifting suction, a high-efficiency filter, and AllergenLock bags meant to trap pollen, dust mites, and other allergens, so they don’t escape back into the air. And along with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant connectivity, another cool feature is the iRobot Genius, an app for the robot that helps it detect and suggest clean zones.Setting UpSetup only took a few minutes and instructions were easy to follow.Tester: Bailey Berg, contributorFloor Type: We recently moved and have hardwood floors, but our last apartment was carpeted. It works just as well on both, but vacuuming on hard floors is pretty loud. We also have two large dogs who shed constantly, so I generally run the vac once a day, while I’m out walking said dogs (they’re terrified of vacuums, big and small, so being able to do that lessens the stress levels for everyone involved).My experience: The Roomba is very easy to use and control, all you have to do is push a button and it goes (it usually does a couple laps and is able to navigate around obstacles well). It even does a good job smart mapping out the space—when we moved it, it realized it immediately and made a new floor plan. The i7 is also “self-sufficient,” meaning when the robot is full, it returns to the docking station to empty. The bag is supposed to hold 60 days of dirt, dust, and hair, but we usually fill the bag once a month (again, we have two extra large dogs, so we’re likely not the average user). My only complaint is the bag isn’t reusable, so you have to order more frequently, which isn’t particularly green, especially considering the opening is made of plastic.It looked very sleek when we first got it, but after a year it’s looking a bit beat up. There is a gap between the floor and the bottom cupboards in our kitchen and bathroom, and the vacuum is taller than the gap, so it keeps getting scratched on the edge of the cupboards. It definitely gets the dirt and hair from under the cupboard, though, so I guess some dings and dents are worth not having to clean those areas myself. And for the most part, it cleans just as well as our standard vacuum. The only time it doesn’t is when we’ve gone too long between vacuuming sessions and there’s too much dog hair. In that scenario, it tends to get jammed, though if we’d been more proactive, it wouldn’t be an issue.The bottom line: It’s crazy how noticeably cleaner the floors are whenever I’ve programmed the Roomba to clean while I’m out walking the dogs. We’ve been using this vacuum for about a year and I’m never going back, 100% would recommend it. Particularly if you’re kind of lazy, have multiple animals, or are trying to save a few minutes wherever you can.Side note: It’s possible to name your Roomba. We’ve yet to think of a good enough pun, so ours has remained unchristened. If you have suggestions, shoot me an Instagram DM at @byebaileyberg.How We Tested the Best Robot VacuumsAt AD Shopping, we make it our business to keep track of the best appliance brands big and small—especially in the vacuum category. We have been testing high-tech cleaners for years to bring our readers the best wet-dry vacs, steam cleaners, and more for their homes. Just like we have with other cleaning products, our editors and contributors have tested the best robot vacuums ranging from weeks up to years to find the ones that deserve the title of “best.” We also kept the points below in mind to find out if they are worth shopping:Cleaning Power: Each vacuum cleaner in our list passed our tests with flying colors to pick up everyday messes, ranging from shedding pet hair to crumbs that fall off the kitchen table. We also looked for multifunctional robovacs like wet-dry that can tackle stuck-on stains without making you pull out a mop.Smart Mapping: Unlike your average vacuum, a robot vacuum’s smart mapping capabilities allow for a true hands-off cleaning experience. Our team noted whether the vacuums were able to navigate around the house without bumping into furniture or getting caught on area rugs. Plus, they gave extra points to robot vacuums that feature multifloor mapping to clean every level of the house.Style: As experts in design, we can’t help but scour sites for the best looking items—and yes, that applies to gadgets, too. Our favorite robot vacs boast streamlined cleaning capabilities as well as designs that go easy on the eye. Dyson’s signature colorways are a standout in our list, as well as Eufy’s S1 design that looks more like a futuristic centerpiece than a clunky appliance. They might not be beautiful enough to display in your home, but we appreciate when a brand goes out of its way to reinvent what we think a product should look like.What to Look for in the Best Robot VacuumsAside from the aforementioned testing qualities, the factors below are just as important to keep in mind when shopping:Self-Emptying Features: Busy households will appreciate this: Self-emptying features rid the robot of debris after its rounds of cleaning are done. When the vacuum returns to the home base, it’ll do its thing automatically. Most of the options with this functionality in our list can hold up to 60 days’ worth of debris. Once the 60 days are up, you just have to empty the bin into a regular old trash can.Warranty: Like any pricey appliance investment in your home (think: smart fridges or washing machines), you’ll want to check if there’s a warranty available. We combed through all of our picks and found that many offer warranties around one year each on these cleaning appliances, including coverage of the battery and home station. Be sure to read the fine print before you add to cart.

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No faux pas here.Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 have been live for a few weeks in Europe and the UK, with many ensuring that they can get their shiny new console on launch day, 5th June 2025. And French retailer Fnac has spoken to French technology publication Frandroid about the demand from its point of view.Director of multimedia and gaming Charlotte Massicault told the publication that (via machine translation) "the first weekend, it was completely crazy" in terms of the number of pre-orders, and that apparently, the retailer has hit a "historic level" already (via FamiBoards, Installbase, and Reddit)Read the full article on nintendolife.com

AI coding assistant startup Windsurf cut its prices “across the board” it announced on Monday, touting “massive savings” for its users as competition with its rival Cursor intensifies. Windsurf said it’s getting rid of its complex system of “flow action credits,” which charged developers for actions its AI did in the background. It’s also cutting prices for its team plans to $30 per user per month down from $35, while making its enterprise plans “much cheaper,” per the announcement. Windsurf product marketer Rob Hou proclaimed on X that Windsurf now has “BY FAR the best and most affordable pricing structure of all AI coding tools on the market,” crediting this to Windsurf optimizing its GPU usage.  Hou criticized “confusing” competitor plans priced at $20 a month in an apparent dig at Cursor’s individual monthly plan, which starts at $20 compared to Windsurf’s $15. The pricing overhaul comes as Windsurf is reportedly being considered for an acquisition by OpenAI for $3 billion (Cursor’s creator Anysphere is in talks to raise at a $10 billion valuation). As TechCrunch previously reported, Windsurf is the smaller of the two coding assistant startups, generating about $100 million in ARR compared to Cursor’s $300 million. OpenAI originally wanted to buy Cursor, but it’s growing so quickly that it’s not in the market to be sold. Although Windsurf hasn’t confirmed the OpenAI acquisition reports, it has recently stepped up its public collaborations with OpenAI. For example, Windsurf’s CEO Varun Mohan appeared earlier this month in OpenAI’s launch video for its latest API model family. And as part of the pricing change announcement, Windsurf is lavishing its users with another week of free and unlimited usage of OpenAI’s latest GPT-4.1 and o4-mini models.  The big question is whether Cursor ends up cutting its own prices in response to Windsurf’s revamp. That might risk a price war, making it harder for both startups to scale up profitably. Windsurf, which declined to comment for this article, said in its announcement that it’s continuing to deliver on its promise “from the very beginning” to pass savings back to its users.  Cursor creator Anysphere didn’t respond to a request for comment.